Yet again, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan – alongside Saudi Arabia and Pakistan – have been granted waivers from sanctions related to their religious freedom violations.
In its latest annual report, USCIRF recommends designating Tajikistan and Turkmenistan as “countries of particular concern” and asks for Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to be included on the special watch list for religious freedom violators.
The visit of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief provides a unique opportunity for increased engagement and the potential for positive reform.